Roles in the Corps

There are hundreds of ways to serve, and every Marine trains in an area of expertise that contributes to the success of our missions. Whatever their expertise or field of training, Marines are ready to transition from mission to mission at a moment's notice.

MAGTF Intelligence Officer

Entry-level Marine Intelligence Officers will be given specific training within one of the following disciplines: Ground, Human Source, Signals or Air Intelligence. These officers will gain unique opportunities for leadership, deployment and training. Once the rank of major is attained, all of the disciplines merge together as the officer becomes a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Intelligence Officer.

Specialized Training

MAGTF CI/HUMINT Basic Course Dam Neck, VA 18.5 weeks

Within the MAGTF

Within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), MAGTF Intelligence Officers are members of the Command Element (CE). As part of the CE, MAGTF Intelligence Officers work in close conjunction with the other three elements of the MAGTF - the Aviation Command Element (ACE), the Logistics Combat Element (LCE) and the Ground Combat Element (GCE) to help accomplish the mission.

Beyond Your First Tour

After your first tour, you may be assigned to a billet available to all officers, such as recruiting duty, instructor duty at The Basic School or series commander at one of the Marine Corps Recruit Depots. Later in your career, you may be assigned to Expeditionary Warfare School or seek an advanced degree. This pattern of assignment is designed to expand your knowledge of the Marine Corps and overall strategic operations before you take on increased responsibility within your MOS.

After three years of experience and completion of MIOC (MAGTF Intelligence Officer Course), you will be designated as a MAGTF Intelligence Officer, with leadership opportunities in both joint and Marine Corps billets.

MAGTF

MAGTF refers to the unique four-part structure that organizes Marine Corps operating forces. This framework brings together Aviation, Ground and Logistics Combat elements under a central Command element. The result is a flexible, combined-arms unit with the capabilities to conduct the Marine Corps' full range of operations, from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to projection of power from the sea.

Many Roles. One Mission.

The Marine Corps is only as capable as each and every Marine. That's why all Marines have a specific role for which they are optimally trained, in support of the overall mission.

MAKEUP OF A MEU

A MEU, or Marine Expeditionary Unit, is the smallest type of MAGTF, often providing the most substantial response in the shortest amount of time. 2,200 Marines that are trained in hundreds of areas of expertise serve on a MEU. Here is the breakdown of a MEU's makeup:

Command Element – Approximately 200 Marines. Responsible for command and control of the entire MEU.

Ground Combat Element – Approximately 1,200 Marines. A Battalion Landing Team that includes three rifle companies, a weapons company, a battery of artillery and platoons of the following: combat engineers, light armored reconnaissance, tanks, Force Reconnaissance and amphibious assault vehicles.

Aviation Combat Element – Approximately 500 Marines. A MEU's ACE is built around a medium tilt-rotor squadron, reinforced by CH-53E heavy lift helicopters, light attack helicopters and Harrier attack jets. The result is a squadron of 25 to 30 aircraft.